Social Essays

In a small town, anyone can run. It's both the ultimate expression of democracy, and also a popularity contest. Former football team captains, restaurant owners, church pastors - as long as you have 1,000 signatures and $2500, you can run for mayor, or sewer administrator, or school board. No experience necessary; in fact, often the only reason people are elected is because they are new, and have GOT to be better than the people currently in charge. Most people vote on the basis of name-recognition; so-and-so was Buddy's lawyer when he had that DUI, so that's who I'm voting for. Or such-and-such is neighbor John's brother-in-law; he can be trusted. But big giant bulls probably don't hurt either.